JOIN USExternal Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Canadian counterpart John Baird on Tuesday agreed for joint research and development in the field of nuclear energy, with focus on augmenting the capacity of Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors of India.
Swaraj and Baird, who chaired the India-Canada second strategic dialogue on Tuesday, expressed satisfaction over commercial discussions between Department of Atomic Energy of Indian government and Cameco Corporation of Canada for sourcing uranium from the North American country for nuclear power plants in India.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said the meeting between Swaraj and Baird also saw the two countries agreeing to jointly hold a Nuclear Security Workshop. Baird also conveyed to Swaraj Canada’s support for India’s membership for the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group.
The joint research and development programme primarily focus on augmenting the capacity of the Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors in India to 750 MW.
India and Canada signed a nuclear cooperation agreement in 2010. This was followed by Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and Department of Atomic Energy of India in 2013 finalising an arrangement to allow Canadian companies to export uranium and other nuclear items to India.
Swaraj and Baird also discussed growing potential of Canada as a reliable and a long-term supplier of hydrocarbons to India, especially from the eastern coast of the North American country.